Best Empire Waist Cocktail Dresses of 2025

Mary Hopper Avatar
Mary Hopper
Last Updated: Jan 3, 2025

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Empire waist cocktail dresses are a classic and timeless option for any formal occasion. This style of dress has a high waistline that sits just below the bust, creating a flattering and feminine silhouette. The flowing skirt of the dress falls gracefully to the knee or just above, making it a versatile choice for any body type. Empire waist cocktail dresses are available in a range of fabrics, from luxurious silk to comfortable jersey, and can be adorned with intricate beadwork or simple embellishments. Whether attending a wedding, gala, or cocktail party, an empire waist cocktail dress is sure to make a statement.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

GRACE KARIN Sequin V Neck Dress Cover #TOP 1
GRACE KARIN Sequin V Neck Dress
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Kiyonna Mademoiselle Lace Dress Cover #TOP 2
Kiyonna Mademoiselle Lace Dress
ftb score rating icon 9.7
OWIN 2024 Empire Waist Cocktail Dress Cover #TOP 3
OWIN 2024 Empire Waist Cocktail Dress
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 10 Empire Waist Cocktail Dresses

#TOP 1

GRACE KARIN Sequin V Neck Dress

Gold
Medium
GRACE KARIN Sequin V Neck Dress Cover
GRACE KARIN Women Sequin V Neck Ruffle Sleeve Empire Waist Sparkly Glitter A Line Cocktail Formal Dresses Gold M

The GRACE KARIN Sequin Dress is a stunning choice for various occasions. Made from a comfortable blend of polyester and elastane, this dress offers a soft lining that feels great against your skin. Its A-Line silhouette and empire waist create a flattering shape, while the short ruffle sleeves and v-neck add feminine charm. Perfect for pairing with heels or accessories, this dress shines at casual or semi-formal events, ensuring you look elegant and sophisticated wherever you go.

What We Like
Comfortable fabric blend
Flattering A-Line silhouette
Versatile for many occasions
Easy to accessorize
#TOP 2

Kiyonna Mademoiselle Lace Dress

12150901-ONX-1X
Onyx
Kiyonna Mademoiselle Lace Dress Cover
Kiyonna Women's Plus Size Mademoiselle Lace Dress, A-Line Midi Cocktail Dress for Wedding Guest, Mother of The Groom or Bride, Formal or Semi-Formal Party Dress, Empire Waist, 3/4 Fitted Sleeves Onyx

The Kiyonna Lace Cocktail Dress is designed to enhance your curves while providing exceptional comfort. Made from fully lined stretch lace, this dress ensures you can wear it all day or night without feeling restricted. The elegant empire waistline and flattering surplice neckline with scalloped lace details add a touch of sophistication, making it perfect for any special occasion, whether it’s a wedding or a formal event. With its classic fit and flare silhouette, you’ll feel exquisite and confident as you turn heads at your next gathering.

What We Like
Flattering fit for curves
Comfortable all-day wear
Elegant lace details
Versatile for various occasions
#TOP 3

OWIN 2024 Empire Waist Cocktail Dress

Z01-black
Medium
OWIN 2024 Empire Waist Cocktail Dress Cover
OWIN Fall Dresses for Women 2024 3/4 Sleeve Crew Neck Empire Waist Cocktial Dress Fit and Flare Party Dress Black M

The OWIN Cocktail Dress is designed for comfort and style, making it a great choice for any event. Made from a soft blend of polyester and spandex, this dress feels light against your skin while providing a flattering fit. Its vintage-inspired design features an empire waist that helps to conceal any belly concerns, allowing you to feel confident. The versatile A-line shape lets you dress it up or down easily, making it perfect for weddings, parties, or casual outings. Plus, it pairs beautifully with various accessories to enhance your look.

What We Like
Comfortable fabric
Flattering fit
Versatile for occasions
Stylish design
#TOP 4

RANPHEE Vintage Empire Waist Dress

Black
X-Large
RANPHEE Vintage Empire Waist Dress Cover
Womens Black Dresses 2024 Trendy Fashion Vintage Elegant Semi Formal Ladies Retro Empire Waist Knee Length Stretchy Summer Peplum Sexy Tank Dress with Pockets XL

The RANPHEE Vintage Dress is a stylish choice for any occasion. Its sleeveless design features a lace-trimmed v-neckline and a flattering high-waisted A-line shape, making it suitable for all body types. You’ll appreciate the convenience of two side pockets, perfect for holding your phone or small items. The hidden side zipper ensures easy dressing, while the vibrant colors add a charming touch to your look. With its eye-catching knee-length skirt that drapes beautifully, this dress enhances your curves and is ideal for everything from casual outings to special events.

What We Like
Flattering A-line shape
Convenient side pockets
Easy to put on
Vibrant color options
#TOP 5

Ever-Pretty Off Shoulder Midi Dress

EG02103BK06-USA
Black
Ever-Pretty Off Shoulder Midi Dress Cover
Ever-Pretty Women's Off Shoulder Flutter Sleeve Formal A Line Formal Empire Waist Prom High Low Midi Cocktail Dresses Black US6

The Ever-Pretty Midi Dress is a delightful blend of classic elegance and contemporary style. Before you make your purchase, be sure to check the size chart for the perfect fit. This dress features a midi length with short sleeves, providing a stylish yet comfortable option for various occasions. Its high-low hem and off-shoulder design add a touch of sophistication, making it ideal for weddings, proms, and cocktail parties. The padded lining ensures you feel confident and supported while enjoying the versatility of this stunning piece throughout different seasons.

What We Like
Elegant off-shoulder design
Versatile for multiple occasions
Comfortable padded lining
Stylish high-low hem
#TOP 6

Happy Sailed Dark Blue Midi Dress

HSCW6121611-P5-L
Dark Blue
Large
Happy Sailed Dark Blue Midi Dress Cover
Happy Sailed Midi Dresses for Women Date Night Long Sleeve Empire Ruched Waisted Slim Fit Irregular Hem Flared A-Line High Low Cocktail Party Dress Fashion 2024 Dark Blue Large

The Happy Sailed Midi Dress combines style and comfort, making it a perfect choice for any occasion. The soft and stretchy fabric ensures that you feel great while maintaining its shape, so you can move freely. Its trendy design features long sleeves and an asymmetrical hem, giving you a sophisticated look that stands out. You can easily pair this dress with various accessories, such as jackets and heels, to suit your style. Whether you're heading to a business meeting or a cocktail party, this versatile dress is designed to fit and flatter every woman's body.

What We Like
Soft, stretchy material
Trendy, stylish design
Versatile for various occasions
Easy to accessorize
#TOP 7

Happy Sailed Velvet Mini Dress

HS5W6116657-8-L-T01
Purple
Large
Happy Sailed Velvet Mini Dress Cover
Happy Sailed Velvet Mini Dress for Women Spring Fashion Lantern Sleeve Empire Waist A-Line Skater Cocktail Party Dresses with Belt Purple Large

The Happy Sailed Velvet Dress is a stylish addition to your wardrobe, featuring long lantern sleeves and a flattering empire waist design. The soft velvet material ensures comfort while giving you a chic look, perfect for various occasions. With a waist belt included, you can easily adjust the fit to enhance your silhouette. This above-knee dress is versatile enough for spring, autumn, and winter, making it a great choice for cocktail parties, weddings, or even casual outings. Pair it with your favorite heels and accessories for a stunning ensemble.

What We Like
Comfortable velvet material
Flattering empire waist
Versatile for multiple occasions
Chic long sleeve design
#TOP 8

Lopath Satin V Neck Midi Dress

Lopath
Black
X-Large
Lopath Satin V Neck Midi Dress Cover
Satin V Neck Puffy Sleeves Silk Midi Dresses Empire Waist Elegant Tie Back Formal Cocktail Dress for Women Wedding Guest Black

The Lopath Satin Dress is crafted from high-quality satin, offering a soft and smooth feel against your skin, making it perfect for warm weather. With its elegant V-neck design, it beautifully enhances your neckline while the puffy sleeves provide a stylish touch and coverage for your arms. The open back adds a hint of allure, making this dress a standout choice for any formal occasion. Whether you're attending a wedding or a cocktail party, this dress allows you to express your femininity and elegance effortlessly.

What We Like
Silky, comfortable material
Elegant V-neck design
Stylish puffy sleeves
Flattering open back
#TOP 9

Nova In Sky V Neck Cocktail Dress

Pink
Large
Nova In Sky V Neck Cocktail Dress Cover
Women's Short Cocktail Dresses V Neck Bishop Sleeve Tie Empire Waist Wrap Party Dress for Date Night Pink L

The Nova In Sky Cocktail Dress combines comfort and style, making it perfect for various occasions. Crafted from soft Dacron material, it feels cozy against your skin, allowing you to breathe freely. The elegant design features a deep V-neck and an empire waist with a tie, letting you adjust the fit to flatter your curves. With long, baggy sleeves and a tiered ruffle hem, this dress is versatile enough for casual outings or formal events. It's easy to care for, making it an ideal choice for travel or everyday wear.

What We Like
Comfortable Dacron material
Adjustable empire waist
Elegant deep V-neck
Versatile for various occasions
#TOP 10

Ever-Pretty Women's Double V-Neck Empire Waist Plus Size Dress

EP09890DG16-PZ
Green
Ever-Pretty Women's Double V-Neck Empire Waist Plus Size Dress Cover
Ever-Pretty Women's Double V-Neck Empire Waist Wedding Guest Dress Plus Size Green US16

This fully lined chiffon dress features a double V-neck, ruffle sleeves, front wrap, empire waist, and a floor-length A-line silhouette. It comes in plus sizes and is perfect for various occasions such as weddings, evening parties, proms, and more. The dress is lightweight and comfortable to wear, making it a great addition to your wardrobe.

What We Like
Stylish and unique design
Perfect for various occasions
Lightweight and comfortable
Buying Guide Image
Editor's Notes

During our empire waist cocktail dress research, we found 48 empire waist cocktail dress products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 39,363 customer reviews through our big data system to write the empire waist cocktail dresses list. We found that most customers choose empire waist cocktail dresses with an average price of $42.58.

The empire waist cocktail dresses are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of empire waist cocktail dresses, including GRACE KARIN, Kiyonna, OWIN, RANPHEE, Ever-Pretty. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 1,398 consumers with an average rating of 4.9.

Written by
Mary Hopper Avatar

Mary Hopper is an Italian fashion designer with 10 years of extensive working experience in the fashion industry. She can design clothing and fashion accessories, such as handbags, backpacks, shoes, and jewelry. She is also a professionally trained content writer specializing in managing various fashion and beauty blogs.